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Tag: Zimbabwe

  • Zimbabwe Tobacco Plantings Increase 28%

    Zimbabwe Tobacco Plantings Increase 28%

    Zimbabwe farmers had planted 22,918 hectares of tobacco by Oct. 30, up 28% from 17,867 hectares during the same period last year, according to the Agricultural Development Advisory Services. Of the total, 87% (19,998 hectares) was under irrigation, while 2,920 hectares were dryland crops. Mashonaland East led production with 7,949 hectares planted, followed by Manicaland with 7,148 hectares, and Mashonaland Central with 4,274 hectares.

    The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board is encouraging growers to invest in irrigation and limit plantings to areas they can manage with available resources amid dry conditions and concerns about El Niño. Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association President George Seremwe said high temperatures and limited water supplies were affecting some crops, while dryland farmers were preparing seedlings for transplanting when sufficient rainfall arrives. Rising input and capital costs also remain a challenge for smallholder farmers, according to Tobacco Farmers Union Trust President Edward Dune.

  • Zimbabwe Tobacco Research Shows Progress

    Zimbabwe Tobacco Research Shows Progress

    Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Research Board (Kutsaga) presented research on fertilizer efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy-saving tobacco curing technologies at the 70th Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) congress, held in Victoria Falls. One study examined the use of biofertilizers to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from tobacco production, finding that combining 75% of the recommended chemical fertilizer application with 75% biofertilizer produced the most promising balance between crop productivity and emissions reduction.

    Kutsaga also presented its KCC2 tobacco-curing barn, designed to improve heat and moisture distribution while reducing reliance on grid electricity. Comparative trials found that KCC2 achieved a moisture-uniformity coefficient of variation of 3.11%, compared with 5.03% for its predecessor, KCC1. Malawi’s Agricultural Research and Extension Trust CEO Albert Changaya said his organization wants to adopt the technology and plans to invite Kutsaga engineers to Malawi to facilitate its transfer. Researchers also discussed alternative curing fuels, including liquefied petroleum gas, biomass briquettes, and biogas.

  • Zimbabwe Reports 50% Firewood Reduction in Tobacco Curing

    Zimbabwe Reports 50% Firewood Reduction in Tobacco Curing

    Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector introduced curing technologies that have reduce firewood consumption by 50%, Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka said at the CORESTA Congress 2026 in Victoria Falls. The Kutsanga organization has developed a rocket barn designed to improve curing efficiency, while the government is promoting alternative fuels and has waived the coal levy to encourage adoption. Masuka said the government plans to begin phasing out the use of indigenous trees during the 2027-2029 seasons and is encouraging tobacco contractors to adopt alternative fuels.

    Kutsanga board Chairman Aaron Denenga said the organization is working with contractors and government departments on technologies and education aimed at reducing firewood use and reliance on indigenous timber. Approximately 135,000 predominantly smallholder farmers produce 85% of Zimbabwe’s tobacco.

  • Zimbabwe Closing In on $7 Billion Tobacco Industry Target

    Zimbabwe Closing In on $7 Billion Tobacco Industry Target

    Zimbabwe is targeting a $7 billion tobacco industry by 2030 and could reach the goal ahead of schedule, Agriculture, Mechanization and Water Resources Development Minister Anxious Masuka said Oct. 26 at the 70th CORESTA Congress in Victoria Falls. The country aims to increase annual tobacco production to 500 million kilograms by 2030, from approximately 358 million kilograms in 2026. Masuka said growth would depend on higher yields, reduced post-harvest losses, and increased domestic processing rather than expanding cultivated land.

    Zimbabwe earns about $1.2 billion annually from semi-processed tobacco exports, supporting nearly 2 million people through direct and indirect employment. Smallholder farmers account for about 95% of growers and produce approximately 85% of the crop. The government plans to expand domestic manufacturing of cigarettes, shisha, and other tobacco products while moving away from indigenous firewood for tobacco curing by 2027 and promoting alternatives such as rocket barns.

  • CORESTA Holds 70th Congress in Zimbabwe

    CORESTA Holds 70th Congress in Zimbabwe

    The Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) opened its 70th congress in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on Oct. 25, bringing together more than 330 delegates from 30 countries. CORESTA President Helena Digard called for greater international research collaboration, transparency, and adoption of emerging technologies. Held under the theme “Science for Sustainability and Harm Reduction in the Transforming Tobacco Landscape,” the congress covers agricultural research, product characterization, toxicology, exposure science, biomarkers, and analytical methodologies.

    The event marks CORESTA’s 70th anniversary and is the first time Zimbabwe has hosted the congress in 63 years, according to Kutsaga Research Board Chairperson Aaron Denenga.

  • Zimbabwe Tobacco Exports Surpass $1 Billion

    Zimbabwe Tobacco Exports Surpass $1 Billion

    Zimbabwe exported 189.98 million kilograms of tobacco worth $1.003 billion so far this year, up from 154.26 million kilograms valued at $844 million during the same period last year, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board. The average export price was $5.28 per kilogram. The Far East was the largest market, accounting for 84.33 million kilograms worth $577.2 million, at an average price of $6.84 per kilogram.

    Exports to Africa rose to 42.32 million kilograms valued at $169.4 million, while shipments to the Middle East totaled 22.27 million kilograms worth $69.4 million. Exports to the European Union fell to 19.87 million kilograms valued at $93 million, down from 23.52 million kilograms worth $135.8 million a year earlier. Shipments to other European markets and the Americas increased to 12.49 million kilograms and 8.69 million kilograms, respectively.

  • Zimbabwe Tobacco Registrations Up, Hectareage Down

    Zimbabwe Tobacco Registrations Up, Hectareage Down

    Zimbabwe registered 81,797 tobacco growers for the 2027 marketing season as of Oct. 15, up 10% from 74,082 during the same period last year, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB). However, preliminary estimates put potential tobacco planting area at 85,025 hectares, down from 94,582 hectares in the previous season.

    Farmers had transplanted 10,597 hectares of irrigated tobacco as of Oct. 15, against a target of 20,000 hectares. Average tobacco prices fell to $2.49 per kilogram during the 2026 marketing season, from $3.32 in 2025.

  • Zimbabwe Urges Tobacco Farmers to Diversify

    Zimbabwe Urges Tobacco Farmers to Diversify

    Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is urging tobacco farmers to dedicate about 30% of their land to complementary enterprises as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. The board said tobacco should remain the anchor crop, while growers test alternatives such as horticulture, livestock, and food crops to diversify income and reduce exposure to climate and market risks. Zimbabwe is expecting below-normal rainfall this season.

    TIMB said farmers should secure markets before planting, maintain separate financial records for each enterprise, and use existing tobacco infrastructure for other production. Irrigation systems could support crops such as wheat, potatoes, and vegetables, while curing barns could be used to dry paprika, chilies, and herbs. The board also highlighted export opportunities for higher-value crops, including blueberries, macadamia nuts, avocados, citrus, and specialty horticultural products.

    The push comes after Zimbabwe’s 2026 tobacco marketing season recorded 353.8 million kg sold for $882.5 million as of July 17. TIMB said diversification could provide income outside the tobacco production cycle, improve household food security, and strengthen farm resilience under its Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan 2.

  • Kutsaga Promotes Drought-Ready Tobacco Ahead of El Niño 

    Kutsaga Promotes Drought-Ready Tobacco Ahead of El Niño 

    Kutsaga Research is promoting drought-tolerant and fast-maturing tobacco varieties as Zimbabwe prepares for an expected El Niño-induced drought in the 2026/27 season. The regional outlook from SARCOF-33 forecasts below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across much of Southern Africa from October 2026 to March 2027. 

    Kutsaga’s portfolio includes KRK71 and KRK75, which have deep-rooting characteristics that help plants access moisture, and T78–T81, which mature rapidly to escape late-season moisture stress. The institution is also promoting float seedbed technology and T77, a Trichoderma harzianum-based biological solution supporting root health. 

    Kutsaga is testing LPG- and biogas-fueled curing systems to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources. The broader strategy combines climate-resilient varieties, improved seedlings, water management and alternative energy to help tobacco farmers shift from reacting to drought to planning for climate risks. 

  • Zimbabwe Eyes Tobacco SEZs to Boost Value Addition

    Zimbabwe Eyes Tobacco SEZs to Boost Value Addition

    Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector is reaching record production levels but declining returns are highlighting the need for greater local processing and value addition, according to local authorities. Tobacco sales reached 358.3 million kg this season, up 1% from 353.3 million kg in 2025, while farmer revenue fell 24% to $892.6 million as average prices dropped 25% to $2.49 per kg. Industry officials and economists warn that global cigarette consumption is declining and the shift toward slim and super-slim products is reducing leaf demand, limiting the value of further production increases.

    Industry experts are urging Zimbabwe to establish tobacco-specific special economic zones (SEZs) modeled on manufacturing hubs in the United Arab Emirates. Tapiwa Masedza, founder of Chevron Tobacco, said targeted fiscal incentives, streamlined regulations and improved logistics could encourage investment in cut-rag processing and cigarette manufacturing. Zimbabwe aims to increase tobacco industry revenue to as much as $7 billion by 2030, raise production to 500 million kg and increase local value addition from about 2% to 30%.

    Proposed SEZ incentives include a five-year zero corporate tax rate, duty-free imports of complementary foreign leaf for processing and re-export, deferred or zero-rated VAT on inter-merchant and export transactions, accelerated capital allowances, and excise-free exports. Zimbabwe has installed capacity to produce about 18 billion cigarettes annually but manufactures only around 4 billion, according to industry sources. Masedza said removing VAT on local grade exchanges and providing greater regulatory certainty would help merchants blend and process tobacco domestically, allowing Zimbabwe to capture more value from each kilogram of leaf rather than relying on raw exports.